Waste reduction is all about making choices that don't have a negative impact on the environment. Here's a checklist to use to make green choices.

• if you don't need it, don't buy it
• use bulk instead of single-serving items
• order supplies to be shipped to your organization without containers, or with reusable blankets, or recyclable containers/packaging
• buy goods that are recyclable, and/or made with recycled content, are durable, refillable, reusable or at least recyclable
• purchase non-hazardous cleaners and inks
• use tap water, not bottled water
• organize 'zero waste' meetings, workshops and events
• order reusable cups, dishes and cutlery when catering events
• give left over, unused food from events to local charities
• introduce litterless lunches to your site
• when new office equipment arrives, ask that everyone be trained to operate it properly and so eliminate waste through misuse, i.e., learn how to copy double-sided
• print double-sided - contact your I&T staff if you don't know how to do this on your printer
• use both sides of paper, even scrap paper
• create a 'reuse' shelf in your mailroom or photocopy room so staff can place office equipment they're finished with for other staff's use; it's also a great place to start a reading book 'swop shop'
• use email and phone calls instead of creating documents

And remember, if you can't reduce or reuse it, please recycle it. By recycling, you'll be giving feedstock to the recycling industry that will also save energy, waste and water by using recycled products instead of creating products from virgin materials.